Daily Writing

Saturday, 16 November 2019

…not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

Peter continues his list of exhortations to all the brethren. Taken together with the last verse, it reads –

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; ⁹ not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”

In his words of verse 9, he begins with “not returning evil for evil.” The words are in exactly the same line of thought as that of Paul in Romans 12:17, which says, “Repay no one evil for evil.”

A good analysis of this comes directly from Jesus in Matthew 5:38-48. This idea, put forth by the Lord, Paul, and now Peter, is intended to be followed despite being contrary to our normal human nature. By staying in the word, fellowshipping with others, talking to the Lord continuously, and praying without ceasing, this difficult precept can be attained. But with the distractions in the world constantly tugging at us from every direction, it is otherwise a remarkably difficult task. In the end, repaying evil for evil is simply producing a second evil. If the first evil was wrong, a second one doesn’t make the first right; it only adds to the evil.

Next, Peter says, “or reviling for reviling.” Paul speaks of one who would stir up such an attitude in 1 Timothy 6:3-5. This particular precept has become especially easy in modern times where a keyboard directs the thoughts of the mind more than a personal, face-to-face interaction. It is so very easy to revile someone in return for their reviling, because there is no real accountability in the act. But whether in person, or through the internet, we are admonished to not act in such a way.

Peter then continues with, “but on the contrary blessing.” Instead of reviling another, we are to speak forth a blessing. And this “blessing” should not be one which is sarcastic. Rather, it should be a true and heartfelt blessing intended to stir up the one who has put forth evil or reviling in hopes of convicting them of their improper act and bringing about an intended change for good in them. And Peter gives the reason for this by saying, “knowing that you were called to this.”

There arises a question with these words. Do the words “you were called to this” speak of what has already been said, meaning conducting oneself in the manner just stated by Peter, or do they speak of what he will next say, which is “that you may inherit a blessing.” The answer seems more likely to be the former. This is because it is the same line of thought as given in 1 Peter 2:21 where he says –

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”

It is the conduct of the believer which Peter is focused on, not specifically the rewards for the conduct. Being Christlike means acting as Christ did, and as He has instructed us to do. We have been called to not return evil for evil and to not repay reviling with reviling. Instead, we have been called to respond to both with a blessing. In conducting ourselves in such a manner, Peter then says this is so “that you may inherit a blessing.”

This is not the reason for the conduct, but it is an expected benefit derived from it. What the specific nature of the blessing one may inherit could be debated. However, it is certain that blessing will come. It may come immediately in the heart of the person who is blessed rather than reviled. It may come from someone who sees our conduct and wants to know Christ because of our display of right conduct. And, it may be a reward from the Lord for simply being obedient to His word. No act of righteousness which is accomplished in faith will fail to receive its reward.

In the end, a blessing will come upon the one who rightly follows the words of admonishment from Peter now, and from the directives found elsewhere in the epistles which set church-age doctrine for us.

Life application: How many people send money to televangelists in order to receive a blessing! And yet Peter shows us today how we can truly inherit a blessing, and it has nothing to do with lining the pockets of a smooth speaker. Instead, our blessings come from being obedient to the word of God. This includes the following precepts –

1. Having compassion – demonstrating that the hurting are truly important to you.

2. Loving as brothers – no matter how you feel about those around you, you are willing to set aside the petty and love them despite the differences.

3. Being tenderhearted – when you show tenderness to others, you display a caring that most people need at any given moment.

4. Being courteous – Jesus washed the feet of his disciples setting an example of humility. Be sure to open the door for others, allow people in when traffic allows, be polite to salespeople who have nothing to do with the problem you may be experiencing, etc.

5. Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling – just because you have been offended, there is no reason to turn around and bite back. As Jesus instructed, we are to “turn the other cheek.” Instead of handing back poison, hand back a blessing.

These then are the ways we can inherit a blessing. If we are trying to gain favor from pastors, evangelists, or others, by sending them money in order to make more money, then we are acting in a manner contrary to Scripture. The attitude of the heart, and not the desire for a fuller wallet, is what God is pleased with.

Heavenly Father, too often we fail to act in the ways outlined in Your word. Too often we want the blessing without being a blessing. Forgive us for this callous and self-centered attitude, and help us always to be the type of Christians who are obedient to You and to Your word. May we be avenues of love leading others to You. Amen.

Friday, 15 November 2019

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 1 Peter 3:8

Peter’s words, until verse 2:18, were to all who would receive his letter. In verse 2:18, he then wrote to “servants.” He then addressed “wives” in verse 3:1, and then he addressed “husbands” in verse 3:7. Now, he says, “Finally, all of you be of one mind.”

The word “Finally” doesn’t mean he is ending the thoughts of the epistle, but rather he is taking the three categories he just referred to, each directed to a particular emulation of Christ, or for specific Christian conduct, and he is reuniting them as one with these words. These words are particularly for all who are living as sojourners and pilgrims.

Servants, wives, and husbands alike are to be “of one mind.” The word is found only here in the New Testament. It literally says, “like-minded.” It is to share the same perspective which is to emulate the mind of God in Christ, and then acting on that. Peter then defines that with “having compassion for one another.”

Again, Peter uses a word unique in Scripture, sumpathés. One can see the modern word “sympathy” coming forth from this word. It conveys the idea of an “interchange of fellow-feeling in joy or sorrow” (Vincent’s Word Studies).

Peter next says to “love as brothers.” Again, it is a word unique in Scripture, philadelphos. It is an adjective, not a noun, which signifies a state of loving as family members. After this, he then says for each to “be tenderhearted.”

This is a word used only once by Paul, and then one more time here by Peter, eusplagchnos. It speaks of “the visceral organs (‘bowels’) as they exercise positive gut-level sympathy (empathy, compassion) – i.e. ‘living with guts’” (HELPS Word Studies). The word “tenderhearted” gets the point across well.

And, finally, for this verse, Peter admonished his reader to “be courteous.” The word gives the sense of humility, lowliness of mind, or modesty.

Life application: Peter admonishes us with words like, “be of one mind.” Doesn’t that seem to be a huge barrel to fill! He is talking in the general sense. Of course, we all have different hopes, likes, aspirations, etc. What he means is that, in the Christian context, we should all have the same attitude towards our faith or fellowship, and our love for each other. We need to have compassion one to another.

When a brother or sister is experiencing sickness, sadness, or loss, we should show empathy and give comfort. We should love one another without hypocrisy. A notable tenet among Christians is that we don’t necessarily need to like each other, but we do need to love each other. Even though we may not want to be around a particular person because our lives don’t sync well with them, when we are around them we need to give them the same dose of love that we would give our best friends.

Further, from Peter’s words of this verse, we realize that too often we allow our morning mood to carry on throughout the day. Instead, we should endeavor to be warm and affectionate in our dealings with one another. We should also add in a spoonful of respect and submission. These qualities don’t always come easily, but they are given for our benefit. As we endeavor to live them out, we will mature as people and as Christians.

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have not always been the epitome of Christian character. We haven’t been of one mind with our brothers, we have failed to be compassionate, loving, tenderhearted, and courteous. And yet, this is what You expect. Be with us and guide us to be a reflection of You, the fulfillment of all these qualities. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Thursday, 14 November 2019

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7

Peter now turns to the husbands. He has steadily worked up the level of authority within the house from servants, to wives, and now to husbands. His words to them are short, comprising only this one verse. And so he begins with, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding.”

The word “likewise” is stated to show that the same care and attention of the preceding thoughts should be given by the husband as was stated for the servants and wives. From there, he instructs them to dwell with their wives in an intelligent way concerning the relationship which grasps the differences between the sexes.

The word translated here as “understanding” signifies knowledge which is obtained from firsthand experience. In other words, the husband has to pay attention to the differences between himself and his wife, and then to use wisdom in how to attend to those differences. One of them, which Peter relays as a specific duty, is that he is to give “honor to the wife.”

Peter uses the same word as he did when speaking of Christ in 1 Peter 2:7 –

“Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious…”

There is to be a value assigned to the wife, showing her as precious in the husband’s eyes. She is not merely someone to serve the husband or to accomplish the tasks for him which are otherwise demeaning. Rather, he is to grasp that she has a special value in the relationship which is unique and benefiting to it. Peter then notes the state of the wife in this capacity by writing that she is “the weaker vessel.”

In other words, the fact that she is weaker is a reason for assigning a special value to her. If someone has a mug made of durable plastic, he can haphazardly place it anywhere without worry that it could be damaged. However, if he has a special mug made of porcelain, he will treat it with extra honor and care. Because it is a weaker vessel, it does not mean it isn’t precious. Rather, it is far more precious and deserves special attention because of that.

Though not stated by Peter, it is obvious that the weakness of the woman is not limited to her physical nature, but emotions are obviously normally tied in as well. There are always exceptions, but the nature of the woman is to be intelligently evaluated by the husband to ensure her fragile nature is taken into consideration.

Peter then adds in that this attention to the needs of the wife are especially significant because both the husband and the wife share a common bond when they are united in their belief in Christ. This is that they are “heirs together of the grace of life.”

It is understood by Peter here that there is an absolute equality between men and women in regards to salvation and all that is tied together with it. Though there are differences between men and women which are intended for this life, there is no distinction between men and women in the spiritual benefits of being in Christ. This is stated by Paul in Galatians 3 –

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

This idea of equality has, unfortunately, been taken to an unintended extreme by liberal-leaning theologians and churches. Both Paul and Peter are speaking of an equality in regards to position in Christ, not position in this world. Peter has just noted that women are the weaker vessel. He has given different instructions to the husband and to the wife.

Paul, likewise, gives specific instructions for men within the church and for women within the church. There are things women are explicitly stated to do, and things women are forbidden to do. The equality of position and salvation in Christ does not mean equality in all matters at all times. This is a fundamental error of liberal theology. The grace of life, that of being in Christ and in the expectation of eternal glory for both husband and wife, is what is being referred to now.

Lastly, Peter gives a concrete reason for the proper treatment of the wife by the husband. It is so “that your prayers may not be hindered.” If there is ill-treatment of the wife, she will be bitter in her heart and spirit. But God ordained that the husband be united to his wife as one. They are to have the same goals, hopes, aspirations, and so on. If they are not united in harmony, the prayers for those things will be harmfully affected.

Therefore, it is evident from Peter’s words that harmony within the husband/wife relationship is crucial to the reception of their prayers by the Lord, and His favorable response to them. This is also to be inferred by Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 7 –

“Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. ⁴ The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. ⁵ Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

If there is not a united aspect to the prayers of the husband and wife, who are deemed as one in God’s eyes, the prayers will be ineffectual, both in their presentation to the Lord, and in His response to them.

Life application: Peter has been explaining the role of women in the family structure. Like Jesus who came as a Servant, Peter explained that the role of a woman was equally high and exalted. The only thing shameful about serving is that someone would fail to do it, thus failing to resemble the Lord. But the man can, and should, serve the wife.

Men and women are created differently in mindset. Women are geared towards one thing and men towards another. This doesn’t mean there are no similarities, but there are differences. Men need to understand this.

If a man fails to relate to his wife, what does he end up doing? He misuses her both physically and emotionally. He does this because he has failed to empathize with her. The failure is more often than not the man’s fault!

A man should be willing to lay down his very life for the woman he committed to at marriage. To fail in this regard is to disregard what Jesus did for the church – dying for it. Jesus has given the example for men to follow.

Men, why are your lives out of control? Why are you suffering in a crummy marriage? Go look in the mirror. Nine times out of ten it is because you are failing to be the godly husband you are supposed to be. Your prayers are being hindered because of it, and God’s face is not turned toward you. Step up to the plate and act like the man of God you are intended to be!

Lord, help us to be the spouses you intend for us to be. We certainly fail in what Your word has laid out for us at times, and it has caused disruption and stress in our families. Give us wisdom in dealing with our marriages so that You will be glorified through our actions, and also so that peace will prevail in our homes. Amen.

Wednesday, 13 November 2019

…as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 1 Peter 3:6

Peter now provides an example of the women of faith who were submissive to their husbands, as he just mentioned in the previous verse. His choice takes the reader back to Genesis where he notes that “Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.” This is cited from Genesis 18:12 –

“Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, ‘After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?’”

The interesting thing about this verse is that Sarah said this to herself, not out loud. However, what is understood from this is that a person’s thoughts which are unstated are surely reflective of the true thoughts of the person. If it was her habit to speak of her husband using the honorific “my lord” in her thoughts, then it demonstrates that she honored him in her outward expressions and manners as well.

It should be noted that nothing is said of Sarah’s outward adornments or fashions, of which Peter has been speaking. The lack of any such note is an implicit reference that her beauty was a natural beauty, of which she is noted for in Genesis – even at an older age. Further, when Peter says that Sarah “obeyed” Abraham, it is referring to his custom of ensuring their safety through her words, as is recorded several times in Genesis, such as –

“And Abraham said, ‘Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. ¹² But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. ¹³ And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, “This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, ‘He is my brother.’”’” Genesis 20:11-13

Thus, Sarah was obedient and she was respectful, just as noted by Peter now. From there, he continues with, “whose daughters you are.” The translation is lacking. The verb is aorist and passive. It should read, “whose daughters you have become.” Though speaking to a Jewish audience whose wives would also be Jewish, Peter implies that they only became daughters of Sarah at a specific point. It is not a hereditary entitlement. This is the exact same concept that Paul uses when speaking of the state of both Jews and Gentiles in Galatians 3:7 –

“Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.”

Paul speaks in the same manner in Romans 4:11 and elsewhere as well. Peter then states how they have become this way by saying, “if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.” The translation of the NKJV is cumbersome. For clarity, the ESV says, “if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.”

Peter’s words here are an allusion to Proverbs 3:25 –

“Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes.”

The Greek translation of this says, “Be not afraid of sudden fear.” That is what Peter was considering in his citation. Sarah is used as the example. Her hope was in God, and thus she demonstrated faith in being told she would have a child, even at an advanced age. Though she laughed in doubt, when she realized that the Lord’s words would come to pass, she did not waiver or shrink back because of the fears that could otherwise have overtaken her.

In speaking of the women as being daughters of Sarah, it is not speaking of salvation as is the case with the analogy of faith like Abraham. Rather, it is speaking of typology of character. The women of the faith, meaning believers, become daughters of Sarah in type when they show respect towards their husbands and they do not fear those things that might otherwise terrify women whose hope is not grounded in Christ.

Life application: Very few major figures in the Bible come away with nothing negative said about them… and Sarah is not one of them. Her faults, as well as her nobler deeds, are given – showing her to be just as human as the rest of us.

Together, she and Abraham worked through life’s difficulties and problems, occasionally faltering in their conduct. But Sarah is remembered as a true woman of God because she was faithful to her husband, calling him “lord.”

The word “lord” in the Hebrew passage being referred to is adoni. Adon is simply a term that can mean “mister” or “master.” In fact, in modern Hebrew, if one were to introduce his friend at a business meeting, he would say, “This is adon Cohen.” The “i” affixed to adon indicates possession (my lord, or my master). She could have used another term, ishi, which indicates “my husband.”

In Genesis 18:12, Sarah chose to use the term adoni, rather than ishi. This was her way of showing respect to her husband. In today’s verse, Peter goes on to say that the woman of God should show similar respect when referring to her husband.

Lord, just as Sarah was given a child in her old age, just as the children of Israel were delivered through the Red Sea, and just as Jesus was resurrected unto eternal life, so we will trust that You will deliver us from all that is frightening. We know that You are in complete control of all things, and so our trust is well-founded when it is placed in You. Thank You for this assurance we possess. Amen.

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 1 Peter 3:5

Peter has instructed women to not focus on the externals for their adornment, but on the inner beauty of the person. Now, he gives a firm and reliable reason for this through example. He begins with, “For in this manner.” In other words, in the manner in which I just told you to conduct yourselves, which is to “not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (verses 3:3, 4).

It is this expectation that Peter likens to the women of “former times.” Peter is not going to arbitrarily pull out examples from his family or of some lore passed down by Jewish tradition. Rather, he will refer to a key example from Scripture, and have her stand as representative of “the holy women who trusted in God.”

In other words, there is a record in Scripture which is then used as an example for other women to emulate. As God saw it sufficient to include this example in Scripture, then it is obviously something that He finds noteworthy and deserving of emulation. Such women “adorned themselves” as Peter noted in the previous verses (cited above).

The word “adorned” is in the imperfect tense in the Greek. What this means is that it was their habitual and continuous way of conducting this aspect of their lives. In this, they weren’t fashioning themselves for all to see and lust after, but rather they remained “submissive to their own husbands.”

Remember, it is wives who Peter is addressing. If a woman is married, and yet she is purposefully dressing in a manner that is intended to attract the attention of other men, it means that she is not being submissive to her husband, but rather she is being solicitous of the attention of other men. It is a note to the world that she is not satisfied with him and she is seeking more from the men to whom she has no right to be with. She bears a resemblance not to the godly women of the past, but to the crafty harlot described in Proverbs 7 or to the ruthless and yet seductive Jezebel who knew how to coerce men through a painted face and flattery –

“Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window.” 2 Kings 9:30

Life application: Peter is not implying that a woman is to dress blandly or shun away from any of the external treatments. However, those things aren’t what she should be relying on to catch her husband’s attention. If she is, then sadness and dissatisfaction will result.

These things are temporary and fading, and people get old and wrinkly. The day is coming when the finery no longer works and the wrinkles are all that’s left. When that day arrives, then what is left but emptiness and loneliness? But when a woman adorns herself with her inner beauty, trusts in God, is gentle and respectful, and – yes – submissive to her husband, she has a firm and lasting foundation set for the love and approval of her husband.

Is being submissive meant to be degrading to a woman? Of course not! God made women the “weaker vessel,” and it is the man’s duty and responsibility to care for and protect her. He is to honor his wife as his lifelong partner and to look first and foremost at her true inner beauty.

Only a perverse person would reject a godly, submissive, and gentle wife for someone who is glitzy, finely dressed, and as shallow as a wading pool. In the end, he is destined to drown in his own tears and sorrow. But a man who respects the beautiful, kind, and gentle wife of God is a man who will live in true happiness and contentment.

Heavenly Father, may we look to the pattern You have set for our marital relationships. Give us joy and contentment in the husband or wife of our youth and may we revel in the bond You established on the day we vowed our souls to one another in Your presence. Amen.